Trafford MV lose out to Wigan in Prima Drinks Bowl Final

By Wilf Dooley

Trafford MV travelled to New Brighton last Saturday to face Wigan in the final of the Primo Drinks Bowl in bright, breezy conditions.

Wigan were favourites having already won the league with an unbeaten record. TMV started well with an early penalty from Luke O’Shea followed by an unconverted try from wing Laurence Ryan.

Soon after, a kick and chase under the posts from Joe Owen saw Jamie Parker touch down, with a conversion from Luke O’Shea making it 0-15 to TMV. Wigan then broke away and scored an unconverted try, bringing the score to 5-15 on 34 minutes. Wigan shocked MV by scoring twice just before half-time and converted the latter to go into the break ahead at 17-15.

Trafford were back in front with a drive-over try from Phil Simms, making it 17-20, and it looked as if MV were gaining the upper hand when another drive-over try came from Jimmy Craven, which Luke O’Shea converted to make it 17-27. Wigan hit back quickly with a try from a penalty, bringing the score to 22-27.

Wigan took the game with a score under the posts following good scrum ball, with a conversion making it 29-27 on 74 minutes. Trafford battled hard to get back in front, but the final score after 84 minutes was 29-27 to Wigan.

The U16 Lancashire Vase Final between Trafford MV and Southport was a very close game, with some good rugby on show from both sides, ending 5-5 at the break. Two tries from TMV made it look all over, but a late score from Southport brought them right back into it. Trafford’s defence held out for a 17-12 win.

Well done to all the players, coaches, and parents on a great season!